Free tax preparation services available

January 14, 2010

Consumer Credit Counseling and the United Way of Lee, Hendry and Glades have launched free tax preparation services for hard-working people and their families. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program provides free and confidential filing of tax returns by IRS certified volunteers.
Over 70 volunteers tax preparers have been trained and certified by the IRS to do the free tax preparation. Volunteers have come from accounting programs at FGCU, Hodges University, Edison College and other schools in the area. In addition, some volunteers are retired professionals and others are returning volunteers from last year’s VITA program.
A prime goal of the service is to help tax payers who qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit to receive it. A large number of taxpayers who could qualify for the EITC do not claim it. Last year, the Consumer Credit Counseling Service and United Way tax service partnership generated over
By establishing the free tax service sites CCC and the United Way increase the number of residents applying for and receiving Earned Income Tax Credits (EITC) and Child Tax Credits. Both credits are federal tax benefits designed to assist low and moderate income workers in increasing their financial stability.
Services are available at the following sites: Cape Coral United Way House, Suncoast Community Resource Center, Estero-San Carlos United Way House, Bonita United Way House, Dunbar United Way House, East Fort Myers United Way House, LaBelle United Way House and Lehigh United Way House.
Also, there will be free tax preparation available on special days at Lee Memorial, Goodwill and Enterprise Rent-a-Car locations for their own employees only.
The Free Tax Preparation VITA sites open in January and will continue through April 15. The locations for VITA tax assistance are as follows:
Appointments are required and can be made through the United Way 211 program. Dial 2-1-1 or 239-433-3900 to make an appointment or for additional information.